Ferdowsi gained brief media fame in August 2012, when he wore an unusual mohawk hairstyle during the Curiosity landing. It unexpectedly became an iconic image of the event with coverage in the news and social media, U.S. PresidentObama even commented on the popularity of "Mohawk Guy".[2]

Ferdowsi joined JPL in late 2003, and worked on the Mars Science Laboratory mission through its successful landing nearly nine years later on August 6, 2012.[6] He was also Science Planner on the Cassini–Huygens mission.[7]

Ferdowsi became a media "sensation", or "meme",[8] when during the August 6, 2012, landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars, he wore an unusual mohawk hairstyle that was seen on NASA TV's live broadcast of the event. He was seated in a prominent camera position and his mohawk unexpectedly became an iconic image of the landing.[9][10][11][12] Ferdowsi explained that he wore a new haircut for every mission and the mohawk was chosen by his team by popular vote.[13]

When President Barack Obama called to congratulate the team, he noted the popularity of the "Mohawk Guy" saying "it does seem NASA has come a long way from the white shirts, dark-rimmed glasses, and pocket protectors. You guys are a little cooler than you used to be."[14] Ferdowsi said in another interview that he did it to help lighten the seriousness of the workplace and "If my mohawk gets a few more people excited about science and this mission, that's awesome."[6]